Appeal set up following death of daughter of Middlesbrough footballer Stuart Parnaby and wife Paula

MIDDLESBROUGH FC footballer Stuart Parnaby and his wife Paula have set up an appeal following the death of their daughter.

The couple were expecting their first child this month, but, after 36 weeks, doctors were unable to detect a heartbeat. Poppy Isabella Elizabeth Parnaby was born three days later weighing 5lb 13.5oz.

A funeral is to be held tomorrow (Tuesday).

Mrs Parnaby has now set up a Just Giving page in aid of the charity 4Louis, which raises money for memory boxes to be given to bereaved parents who suffer the trauma of stillbirth or neonatal death.

Each box contains a clay impression kit for hand and feet imprints, teddy bears and an Angel, which signifies a born sleeping baby.

Mrs Parnaby said of Poppy: "We were lucky to be able to have lots of time with her. We cuddled her, kissed her and told her stories of all the family and friends that loved her.

"We also used this time to record memories of Poppy and for this we thank the 4Louis charity.

"A lemon coloured box with a pink ribbon wrapped round it appeared in our hospital room and the midwife explained what it was. In the box were ideas and ways of recording memories of our daughter and other beautiful gifts.

"We took clay imprints of her hands and feet, we also took her hand and footprints and saved a lock of her thick dark hair. This box now holds our most prized possessions in the world and we can't thank 4Louis enough for that so this is our way of saying thanks."

Instead of flowers at the funeral or gifts the family would like people to donate to the charity.